German WWII Cased War Merit Cross 1st Class w/Swords-This is a beautiful little badge. The silver finish on this wmc is 99% intact. It shows just the slightest wear in all the right spots, with the lowest detail glinting with its silver finish. Very pretty! The pin setup functions as it should. The hinge is a block type, and the catch is square wire. The pin is stamped with the number 43 indicating it was produced by Julius Bauer & Sohne of Thuringen. Near excellent overall! The black pebbled case is also excellent with only minimal bumps and bruises. There is no embossed silver WMC on the top of the cover, but the bottom of the case has an old maker’s tag. It has been torn, so its not readable. The box hinge functions as it should. The inside is flocked with black velvet on the bottom, and carboard like material under the top lid. The inside is very clean. An excellent offering by a rare maker.
History: The War Merit Cross was instituted on October 18th, 1939, in two classes with both classes issued, with and without swords, for award to military personnel and civilians, including females and foreigners, for exemplary service and/or bravery in Germany’s war effort, in a non-combatant role. The addition of swords to the award signifies bravery while awards without swords were bestowed for service. The War Merit cross series of awards was expanded on August 19th, 1940, to include a Knight’s Cross of the War Merit Cross for award to personnel who had provided a substantial contribution to the war effort.